Part 5, Get to Know Sub Sea Staff!

Next in our series, "Get to Know Sub Sea Staff" we'd like to tell you all about our Sub Sea Systems' heroine, Hannah de Bie. Hannah’s list of responsibilities is longer than an octopus arm, and nothing short of astounding. From handling the company’s marketing endeavors, to establishing and working with new operators, Hannah does it all with perpetual positivity!

What is your job title?
VP Marketing & Communications

How would you describe your job to someone you just met?
It’s complicated! I start off by sharing that I’m the head of marketing for my family’s business, and that we’re in the tourism industry– we take people on guided underwater walking tours. (*insert bewildered look here*). Then I pull out my phone and proceed to share photos. It’s amazing to see how many people are familiar with Sea TREK, our flagship program, or have even tried it. They’re always shocked to learn that the corporate office is in Northern California, of all places.

What is the best/your favorite part of the job?
I love my job– and for many different and varying reasons. Here are just a few:

• I am beyond passionate about our products and company mission. To put it simply, I love what we do. It’s extremely rewarding to hear customer feedback, read online reviews, and see photos and videos posted by guests; some even share that Sea TREK or Clear Lounge was a life changing experience! To be involved in that is incredible. Through our business we also have an extensive, worldwide platform to promote conservation and educate people about the fragile marine environment.
• I get to work with my family… my whole family– siblings, parents, uncle, and dogs… and, we all get along! It’s very unique to be involved in a family-owned business, and to see it thrive and grow through a 2nd generation. As my brothers and I start our families, I can only hope interest is sparked in the 3rd generation!
• I have the opportunity to travel to some pretty exotic destinations, and work with people from all over the world. I enjoy learning about other cultures, trying local cuisine and getting to know people from every corner of the globe.

What do you do in your spare time, away from work?
99% of my time is dedicated to raising the newest member of my family– my son, Hank! Being a Mom is the hardest (and most rewarding) job on the planet. He has a BIG personality and it’s truly amazing to watch him grow.

My husband, Evan, and I also enjoy cooking– self-proclaimed “foodies”! I recently started making sourdough bread, too.

You were recently featured on the very popular tv show, “House Hunters”! Tell us about that experience. 
Yes! That was an experience of a lifetime! During a business trip to Singapore I happened to meet a former House Hunters producer. We started talking and I shared with her that I was in the market for a new home. One thing lead to the next, and within a couple weeks we were filming! It’s incredible to see how much work, and how many hours of filming, are required to produce a 25-minute show (Five, 8-hour days!) The crew was fantastic, and our realtor (in real life), Garrett Abben, also filmed with us. Overall it was SO much fun, and will be a great memory to share with our son when he’s older. Check out the episode, "Quirky vs Functional in California, Season 137, Episode 12" online.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
Treat others the way you would like to be treated. (What a world we would live in if this was everyone’s mantra?!)

What are you most proud of?
My son! Every day I look at him and think, “I made you!” Having a child is pure magic. It’s miraculous!

If you could be a superhero, what would you want your superpower to be? 
Breathing and seeing underwater! I’ve always wanted to be a mermaid. Being a redhead and in the underwater tourism industry… the Little Mermaid is my all time favorite Disney movie (surprise surprise!). I want to be a part of Ariel’s world!  Hahaha.

Hannah is already a superhero to all of us at Sub Sea Systems, and we can’t tell her often enough how much we appreciate all that she does to make SSS an awesome place to work!